2012 Infiniti M Hybrid Features Audible Pedestrian Warning
System

FRANKLIN, Nov. 18, 2010: The new 2012 Infiniti M35h is not
only the first-ever Infiniti Hybrid, it is the word's first hybrid to
feature a standard audible pedestrian warning system. ¬†The new Infiniti M
Hybrid is set to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in early 2011,
following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in
November.

With its advanced Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid‚„Ę system, which
includes a unique 1-motor, 2-clutch, powertrain with compact Lithium-ion
battery, the Infiniti M35h is capable of traveling faster and farther on
electric-only mode than conventional hybrid designs. ¬†The new audible
warning system, called Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP),
uses a range of distinctive sounds to help ensure the safety of other road
users. ¬†VSP automatically works from start-up to approximately 20 miles
per hour, cutting back in at approximately 15 miles per hour as the vehicle
slows.

The computer controlled system links an in-car sound synthesizer with a
speaker built in to the front bumper. ¬†Instead of just a single tone, a
range of high-low sounds at different volume levels was chosen after an
extensive research program to find the most effective, but least intrusive,
noise. ¬†The VSP development team worked with cognitive and acoustic
psychologists studying areas including pedestrian behavioral patterns and
noise pollution. ¬†The result is a sine-wave sound that extends from 2.5kHz
at the high end to a low of 600Hz. ¬†It is a range readily audible to all
age groups, while avoiding a sound range (around 1,000Hz) that would add
unnecessary noise to the environment.

The noise sweeps from high to low frequency depending on vehicle speed
and whether the Infiniti M35h is accelerating or decelerating. ¬†It is
loudest at start-up to give a clear indication the vehicle is beginning to
move off, while an intermittent tone is used when reversing ‚€“
both sounds calculated to ensure the Infiniti M35h cannot surprise
pedestrians and the visually impaired as it approaches.

Although the Infiniti M35h can travel at speeds of up to 62 miles per
hour on engine noise-free electric power alone, road noise past
approximately 20 miles per hour means the vehicle generates sufficient
sound for the VSP to remain off. ¬†An extensive testing program during the
hybrid's development showed that, in mixed driving conditions, the Infiniti
M35h was able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the
time.

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